"They're going to be here, and they'll be way behind by the time they get here. They just need to get their foot in the door," said senior Jonathan Schulz, president of student council.

Menendez donated 1,000 books to Hastings Elementary School. The student council held a competition between classes to see who could donate the most. The winner enjoyed an ice cream social provided by Principal Bill Mignon.

Student council got the idea for the drive from Schulz's mother who works for Americorp reading program at Hastings Elementary School. Menendez teachers also donated books to the school last Christmas, and Schulz says they agreed the students needed even more books.

"Their need is great because they don't have many books in their library and the kids don't have books in their homes," said Schulz.

"The school wants their kids to have books to practice reading over the summer and gain their reading skills," said Martyn.

Schulz says he was surprised at how many books they were able to donate.

"I was proud of the turnout of the whole student body. I had only expected about 300 or 400 books," said Schulz.

The group personally delivered the books to the Hastings students, and they say their appreciation was seen on their faces.

"Just to see those kids faces light up -- it just does something inside you and it made you want to do it again," said junior Robert Ramirez, student council historian.

"They were so excited and they were so adorable," said senior Diana Zajewski, vice president of the student council.

Victoria Guttinger is Menendez student council sponsor, but recently left on maternity leave. Brandy Hollingsworth has taken over until her return. She says the drive was a success.

"The results were awesome-just to see the kids with the new books was great," said Hollingsworth.

The student council's next project is a garage sale. The proceeds will be given to the U.S.O., who provides packages for the troops overseas. The group hopes to have the entire community come out and contribute items. Schulz says this is important to several staff members and students at Menendez.

"There a lot of relations to people out there (in Iraq)," said Schulz.

If you have any questions about the student council projects, call Brandy Hollingsworth (904) 794-7702 extension 4626